Archives for March 2014

I decided to go on an adventure to Target last night because it poured all day, and I felt the need for a drive on a Sunday. My best friend had warned me about the new home arrivals, but I wasn’t prepared enough. Guys, this collection rendered me speechless. In fact, it’s even hard to write about it because it’s so good.

Threshold introduced two new collections – the Coastal Collection and the White and Color Collection. The Coastal Collection looks epic online (all of the anchors, please!), but I happened to see the White and Color Collection in person. The collection includes every single one of my favorite colors, patterns, and florals. How is this even possible? This is the design of my dreams. Plus, every piece is under $100. I’m dying if you can’t tell already. AH! Here are 8 of my favorite pieces:

How could you not be happy all of the time if these pieces were in your living room all year long? The colors! The patterns! The sweet floral arrangement is my favorite, and then there’s the gold foil lamp and coral bench. The perfect pieces to buy on a budget – each and every one. :) You can find the majority of the Coastal and White and Color collections online, but make sure to stop into your local store too because there are some pieces that I didn’t see online (and vice versa!).

Aside from warmer weather, the number one thing I get so excited about during the spring is…flowers. I love all of the flowers. There’s usually one day each year when it seems like everything has finally sprung to life again after what always feels like the longest winter. That day hasn’t happened just yet (it snowed yesterday morning…), but I’ve been thinking about hydrangeas all week.

I love hydrangeas because they bloom in such a variety of colors, but hydrangea blue is always the most striking to me. I decided to pair hydrangeas and hydrangea blue with navy and ivory for a soft glam palette with a preppy garden party in mind. Oh, and the photo below of hydrangeas in the upper lefthand corner? I took a quick snap on my phone…outside of a gas station. It’s one of my favorites. Beauty is everywhere. :)

Workflow is one of the hardest things to determine, especially as your life shifts and changes. In my case, how I work drastically changed once I graduated from college and transitioned into working on actual projects as a freelancer for various publications and clients. I knew I needed (and wanted!) to do my best work, and there were and will always be deadlines attached. But I hadn’t been in the situation before of not having a number of top grades to chase. How hard I worked and the result that was produced relied on my attitude, atmosphere, and complete time management. I remember thinking to myself work like you’re still in school.

Over the past three years, I’ve fine-tuned how I work and think (I no longer remind myself to work like I’m still in school), so I thought I would share seven workflow tips to inspire you whether you work for yourself or for a company. :)

1. Learn how you work best: In my case, this means starting with the most difficult task or the one I would really rather avoid. If I don’t want to do it, I’d rather get it out of the way than have to think about when I’m going to complete (or even just start) it throughout the day. Once that’s out of the way, I continue to work backward from least to most favorite things. If I do this correctly, my day doesn’t end on a bad note even if it starts with something less than desirable.

2. Block your distractions: I’ve definitely fallen into the hole that is social media. In order to prevent myself from taking unwanted breaks, I’ve been known to sign myself out of any and all social media sites before I start working. That way, I’m not tempted to “see what’s going on” if I have to log in. Whether it’s social media or something else, try to put a roadblock between you and your distractions.

3. Set deadlines: Whether one exists or not, I always set a time when I want to have the task complete. Actually, I set two: one that will challenge me, and one that is completely realistic. Before I start working, I glance at the clock. If a piece normally takes me two hours to complete, I try to get it done well in an hour and a half. This always causes me to think a little more quickly and hustle just a bit more because it’s a slight race against the clock

4. Walk away: I do exactly as this suggests – I walk away when I can’t decide if I’m happy with a project or not. Taking a break to go for a walk or work on something else allows me to revisit it with a clearer mindset. Most times I’m far less critical when I look at it again in a better mood free of frustration.

5. Schedule yourself: Whether it’s making a realistic list of items you want to accomplish that day or building in time off, set a schedule and stick to it. Lists are awesome because they get everything out of my head and onto paper that I can see and check off. I also work smarter knowing my goal is to create at least two blocks of time each week solely filled with relaxing. I’m also fairly strict with myself about taking that time to simply relax because I know if I don’t I will only end up burned out.

6. Love your environment: Decide on a music station to listen to, purchase a bouquet of flowers, and try to change locations in order to stay inspired (if you can). I love listening to Frank Sinatra on Spotify or Pandora while I work because that genre of music doesn’t distract me. Flowers make me want to sit at my desk because they make me happy. Changing locations when I’m working from home keeps me from getting tired of sitting in the same room for too long.

7. Take a moment to love your work: Don’t only allow yourself to just focus on the end goal of completing your work. Make sure you take a moment, even while you’re working, to really enjoy what you do. Enjoy the journey, not just the result. : )

Happy Friday! I realized I haven’t shared a post about a few of the links I have been loving, so today seems like a great day to do just that. Get ready for an inspiring entrepreneur whose dresses you will want to purchase, a home filled with pink and gold decor, and one of my favorite posts that I was reminded of this week about being positive.

Oh, Camilyn Beth. I adore your dresses. They have scallops! And bright colors! And they’re feminine and preppy! One of these dresses is definitely a piece to save up for, but in the meantime I loved reading Camilyn’s interview. She attended 16 weddings in the same year (let’s just take a second to absorb that number). Rather than purchasing a new dress for each event, she designed her own. Naturally, her business started from there. PS: Her office is beautiful too.

I have a slight addiction to scarves. I wear them all year long as a way to add color and pattern to almost any outfit because they are so easy to toss on. This Sperry anchor scarf is perfect for the season (ANCHORS!), and it’s only $30. See more of my spring necessities here.

I actually found myself saying “positive vibes” this week. Or at least thinking it. Either way, I’ve been reminded of Carly’s post about that exact topic. What you put out into the world is likely what will be returned to you, so why not think and act positively? Positive vibes tend to make you get much further than you might think. :)

Painting makes me endlessly happy, and now that wedding season is officially upon us you might just be looking for a sweet, unique gift for your bridesmaids. I would love to paint canvases for your bridal party!

This. Apartment. First, it’s above a garage, which is definitely not what you’ll think of when you see the full tour on The Everygirl. I love the curated pieces in Cat’s home, and the way she styled them is so spot on. Girly pink, gold, monograms, and a dash of pattern – it’s one of my favorite interiors to date.

I am so picky when I’m shopping for dresses. The highlight of any and every search is when I can find a dress that fits perfectly in a color or pattern that I love. And when that happens, I tend to wear it over and over again. But weddings as a bridesmaid often requires purchasing a dress you may never wear again. Seeing something sit in my closet and hoping for an opportune moment to wear it again is so frustrating. But there’s a solution: renting!

Everyone has probably heard of Rent the Runway, which is one of the best ideas ever. But there are other fun, unique companies who specifically cater to weddings and bridesmaids. I’ve loved discovering these sweet companies, so naturally I have to highlight a few of my favorite rentable wedding fashion finds (most are under even $50)!

1 & 2: Both of these dresses are available for rent through Little Borrowed Dress, a company base in New York City who specifically caters to bridesmaids. Dresses are available for rent for either $50 or $75 (a true steal!) in 16 different long and short styles which can also be mixed and matched. Plus, there are equally as many colors available, which you can preview in person by ordering swatches. If your bridesmaids would prefer to purchase their dresses, they can do that too! Each dress retails for $150 or $185. I’m a fan. :)

3 & 4: Rent the Runway is another great source for dresses your ‘maids can rent! The short petal lace dress is perfect to wear to a wedding of any style, but I can easily see it at a vintage-inspired fete. All of your bridesmaids can easily wear it, but it’s definitely one to consider if each girl is wearing a slightly different dress in the same hue. The one-shoulder magenta gown is such a show stopper not only in style but also in color. The only downside to RTR is the styles are not available in a variety of colors, like Little Borrowed Dress, so the color pictured has to be spot on with your wedding palette. P.S: Either dress is also perfect if you’re a wedding guest!

Accessories:

5, 6, & 7: Accessories complete an outfit, and similar to dresses, it’s typically so difficult to find an event to wear them to again. So, rent them! All three of these pieces are from Rent the Runway and are all so inexpensive to rent. But they’re designer pieces that retail for far more than $100. Mind blown. Each piece is so classic and perfect for a black-tie wedding, and I’m obviously in love with the Kate Spade bow necklace. My thoughts on the earrings and clutch: gold for the win!

Would you suggest renting dresses and accessories to your bridesmaids? Let’s hear it!

Saturday was one of the most beautiful days in such a long time. The sun was shining, it was warm (!!), and my to-do list went completely out the window as a result. This happens when spring actually feels like it’s coming rather than just being a date on the calendar. What does a girl do to celebrate? Spend time outside in the sunshine and cap off the day with a trip to The Gap…where I decided I wanted everything.

I’m very mindful about what I purchase, and I feel like I’ve been paying even more attention this year. Rather than stocking up on everything, I look for pieces that are unique. Some are takes on things I already own and love (hello, button downs!), and some are new styles that I want to try (read: a high-low coral maxi skirt). You can never go wrong with basics, stripes, tortoiseshell, or monograms. So without further ado, my spring must-haves (and already owns) for a girl on a budget!

I purchased the gingham button down on Saturday, and the tortoise watch is at the top of my wish along with the anchor sandals (y’all know how I feel about anchors – see here + here :). Plus, the duffel is the perfect bag for weekend trips in the spring and all year long. What’s at the top of your spring must have list? Fill me in!

This week has been awesome in so many ways – new opportunities to learn, forging relationships with new contacts, and starting the initial planning stages for an exciting giveaway (I can’t wait to share more about it!), plus today’s my dad’s birthday : ) – but there is one phrase and a few moments that have caused me to come back to it over and over again.

One of the people who inspires me most said this on Wednesday, and it’s stuck with me ever since. It was one of those light bulb moments when I found myself agreeing, making a note, and drawing a cloud around it so it will always stand out on the page. But I think you can take that phrase so much further.

Just because you (can, are good at it, can make money, are encouraged by others, have always done it…insert phrase here) doesn’t mean you should.

How many times have you said or heard something like the above? Your answer is probably quite a few times. I know I have. But saying and actually following through and doing are two totally different things. Just because it’s something you feel you should do – whether it’s taking a different step in your career, agreeing to a meeting that your heart is telling you not to attend, or even doing something in which you might excel – doesn’t mean that you should take the actions to do it if there is zero passion behind it.

Having passion for what you to do is key to wanting to work hard at it every day. Having passion for what you do is what will inspire someone else along the way. If you, because you are most important, don’t love it then you’re likely not truly happy. If you don’t love it, then you’re not having the great impact on others that you could be having if you did.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this idea is because I heard someone say she was only in her field to make money. I wanted to panic and then tell her to start working to change industries. Like, yesterday. Money is clearly necessary. It allows you to see and feel worth attached to what you do, but is what you do worth it if you’re only doing it to make money? No, in my opinion.

Life is far too short, and you your talents (you have them!) can lend themselves to so many other things when making money does not define who you are or what you do. Stepping away from that money-making venture can allow someone else to shine who does have a true passion for it. Stepping away means you can take the risk and follow your true passion. Who knows, you may even make more at it. But most importantly, feeling passionate will likely make you happier.

So, before you continue on your current path or start down a new one, ask yourself if you love where that path is or will take you. Just because you can follow a path doesn’t mean you should.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the very first spring event that I look forward to each and every season. It’s held every March at the Philadelphia Convention Center, and my mom and I have been taking a day trip into the city since I was in college and my aunt convinced us we needed to attend. She was right. Oh my word.

Picture the largest convention center you’ve ever been to. Now picture it covered from floor to ceiling with flowers for days with each exhibit created around a specific theme (Italy, the United Kingdom, and Hawaii are just some of the themes from years past). Every designer’s creation looks like a piece of art, especially those featured this year because the theme was famous artists, and the entire center smells.so.good.

Whether you’re able to attend a flower show, like Philadelphia’s, or you venture to a botanical garden or park, take a look at the flowers you see. Everything from a formal artistic arrangement to randomly growing wildflowers can be a source of inspiration for any type of event, especially weddings. Take note of the colors, textures, shapes, and specific types of flowers you love seeing together. Also, look for unexpected editions, like sequins paired with wood, bouquets wrapped with rhinestones, or pops of bright fabric wrapped around vases for a pop of pattern, to add to your arrangements for a unique touch. Those last three were some of my favorites from this year’s flower show adventure! Take a peek:

I loved seeing the bright chevron wrapped around the vases above (plus the bright citrus colored flowers are so perfect for summer). The buds placed in test tubes below are such a fun idea if either one of you happens to be a work in a field related to science. The arrangement above? It’s seriously the coolest thing ever. The lilies are handing from spoons, but I think this is such a fun idea to incorporate above a bar. And it’s pretty simple too. Hang your flowers upside down and use wire to attach the stems to a frame or rod that extends the length of your chosen space. Obsessed.These pearl broaches were one of my absolute favorite touches. This is one of the most approachable designs that I saw at the show that could definitely be used for bouquets or even centerpieces! My favorite idea for a rustic fete: pairing sequins with wood. Hello, rustic glam! :)Wrap rhinestones around bouquets for your ceremony, and then place them in tall vases for your reception for a perfect black tie look! I also love seeing vases with single blooms interspersed with groupings of larger arrangements.White, citrus palettes, pink, and purple are all definitely in style along with geometric shapes, glam touches, and nautical anything and everything! Do you have any favorites from the flowers pictured above? I’d love to hear!

P.S: For more flower inspiration, check out the floral guide on The Bride’s Cafe! It’s so helpful for defining the names of the blooms that you love.

A few years ago, I went to dinner with two friends and one started talking about how we need to stop apologizing for times when we a.) didn’t actually do anything wrong or b.) were merely being true to who we are at our core. This conversation happened so long ago, yet it’s vividly stuck with me ever since.

Good, bad, or indifferent, I definitely fall into the first category. I’m always in favor of apologizing when I know I’ve done something wrong, but I’m often the one to make the first move after an argument even when I feel I’m right because few arguments are worth having friends and family pitted against each other. But the second part – not apologizing for being who I am – is something I am acutely aware of and very passionate about. Essentially, I’m not afraid to say no. And you shouldn’t be either.

Let me start by saying there are definitely times to say yes. Going on a fun adventure in a city I’ve never visited? Yes. Signing up for a course that will challenge me personally and professionally? Yes. Skiing down a black diamond that I’ve been eying because I’m fairly certain I’m ready to give it a try but am still completely terrified? Yes. Overcoming fears is fun and very empowering.

Although I say yes all the time, there are many times when I say no (note: I’m not talking about the things on your to-do list that just aren’t enjoyable :) I’ve learned how to tell the difference between something I am afraid to do but know in my heart I should try and those things that I KNOW will make me uncomfortable in the worst way possible. The most important thing is to learn the difference for yourself (your gut reaction is normally the one to trust).

The latter is when I say no and move on from the situation without ever apologizing. I view time, especially free time, as something that is precious. I want to spend it doing as many things that set my heart on fire as possible. If my free time is spent doing something I’m dreading because it makes me want to panic, it’s almost always never worth it. Saying no to something means saying yes to something else.

If you’re worried about disappointing a friend or family member, repeat this to yourself because there is nothing truer: “Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter.” I’ve learned my closest friends and family will almost always understand my decisions. Even if you don’t feel it in the moment, you look like a strong person who knows herself when you stand up for your beliefs. In the end, the most important person to answer to is you. Make sure you’re proud of the answers you give.

There is so much attention paid to the style of the bride and her ‘maids (rightfully so, obviously!), but I’ve loved pulling together a few of my favorite looks for grooms. It’s definitely clear that I adore preppy styles – navy, khaki, and gray are all winners in my book (and jackets are definitely optional). I love looks that are equal parts put together and chic yet relaxed and comfortable. And I adore that so many of these styles can be worn for a variety of events from a backyard bash to a “navy tie” ballroom party. Take a peek at a few of my favorites: